Modos | a tool-free, reconfigurable furniture system

Proto Cleared for Production
almost 8 years ago – Sat, May 21, 2016 at 05:12:54 PM

It's happening!!!

Modos Manufacturing - Sample Review
over 8 years ago – Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 04:46:02 PM

Hi Modos Backers,

We have now received samples from the two Asian manufacturers along with a handful from the American extruder. You can see photos of the samples below. Two manufactures met our standards for finish, and we are waiting for one more sample from the third manufacturer before making a selection. The next step is to write up a contract and then start making dies to extrude through. We are very excited to be completing the vetting stage and entering into the manufacturing stage!!!

You have been wonderful supporters during this long journey, and we deeply appreciate all the patience you have shown us. Having a strong founding team of backers has made this possible, and once you have the product in your hand you should take credit for helping make Modos a reality. Hearing your enthusiasm for the product has continually re-inspired us, and we are very confident that we will be able to deliver on our promises. We realize that the timeline has been horrible, and we intend to reward you for your support and patience. More on that as we approach delivery.

Thank you,
Matt, Andrew and Jackson

Manufacturing Update
over 8 years ago – Mon, Nov 23, 2015 at 07:23:05 AM

Hi Modos Backers,

Our search for a manufacturer continues. We are currently vetting two extrusion finalists in Asia and one in the US and have received finishing samples from two of those companies. We also brought on another team member, Jackson Bosworth, a multi-talented Modos enthusiast, to speed up the project and help us further explore the possibility of manufacturing in the United States. Over the past month, we tested what it would take to cut and finish our connectors with our own hands in a local shop. In doing so, we determined that using an outside manufacturer is definitely the best option.

Here are photos of the latest samples we’ve received from two companies; one produced in the US and one in China. They are both close to what we deem acceptable but still need refinement, which we are currently working with the manufacturers to solve.

Thanks, as always, for your continued patience and support.

Matt, Andrew and Jackson

Manufacturing Update
over 8 years ago – Tue, Sep 29, 2015 at 06:07:08 AM

Hi Modos supporters,

We are still working diligently on finding a manufacturer. While we have spoken with dozens, we have not chosen “the one”.

To expand our options, we have been looking into die casting at the same time. We thought die casting could be a way to speed up manufacturing and provide a better product, but this is not the case.

Of the 11 die casters we asked for quotes, the majority of their engineers said two things: 1. Extrusion is the BEST process for making our parts. 

2. The extrusion industry in the US has the worst customer service of any metal manufacturing process.

To counter the potential for bad customer service, we have focused on small, regional extruders in the US that have commitments to better customer service. As we go through the quoting and vetting process we hope they will be able to deliver competitive pricing and meet our quality standards.

Our expanded overseas search has landed some additional options that seem like a good fit. If we manufacture overseas we may need to increase our buying power so that we can hit the manufacturer's required minimums.

At this point, we have about five companies that we are requesting or viewing samples of their finishing capabilities.

While we don’t have a manufacturer chosen, we feel confident that “the one” is within the current “dating pool”. We are gaining ground and still have our steadfast confidence that we will be able to deliver on our promise, to deliver to your Modos furniture.

Thank you so much for your continued patience and support. 

Matt and Andrew

Manufacturing Update
over 8 years ago – Wed, Aug 12, 2015 at 10:35:59 AM

Dear backer,

Here is where we are at with manufacturing:

Morocco has run finish samples and provided preliminary pricing. We are working on getting a final quote from them. The Taiwan manufacturer has provided similar pricing, and we are weighing the pros and cons. Once we receive the final quotes and contract terms from each manufacturer, we will draft a new projected timeline and will take every possible opportunity to expedite the delivery.

We know the project hit a major roadblock when our manufacturer bailed. At this point we have almost finished clearing the debris, and we will be moving along at speed again.

Thank you for your continued patience as we go through this process. We wouldn’t have been able to go on without your encouragement and support.

Sincerely,

Matt and Andrew